Alliances
Three Brotherhood Alliance, National Unity Government Ministry of Defense (NUG-MOD), Student Armed Forces (SAF), King Peacock Column, Chin Brotherhood (CB).
Organization Name
Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA)
Armed Force
Bamar People’s Liberation Army
Political Organization
None
History in Brief
Established – April 17, 2021
Headquarters – None
Areas of operation – Hpapun District, Karen State; Lashio Township, northern Shan State and Anya region (Dry Zone).
Estimated strength – 1,000 or more
Leader – Commander-in-Chief Maung Saungkha
The Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) commander-in-chief, Maung Saungkha, has been an activist for freedom of expression since before the coup. He was a leading member of the committee for the revocation of Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law enacted on October 17, 2013. He also served as the executive director of Athan Myanmar.
After the coup, he became a leader of the General Strike Committee of Nationalities (GSCN). After the military began opening fire upon and otherwise violently suppressing protesters, Maung Saung Kha decided to join the armed resistance. In the territory of Brigade (5) of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), based in Hpapun District of Karen State, 17 young men, including Maung Saungkha, received basic military training and prepared to establish the BPLA. The first basic military training course for BPLA was provided by the Arakan Army.
The BPLA was established on April 17, 2021. The organization said they will stand as a force to protect the Bamar people and to represent the Bamar people. With the help of the AA, the BPLA was also able to establish bases in northern Shan State. They received military training and revolutionary assistance from the AA. They also became an ally of the Three Brotherhood Alliance through the AA.
The BPLA, based in Hpapun District, Karen State, and northern Shan State, has formed two military regions: 107 Military Region and 203 Military Region. They have been conducting military operations and attacking the SAC together with the KNLA and Northern Alliance forces in the areas where they are based. They participated in Operation 1027 of the Three Brotherhood Alliance. The BPLA announced on October 27, 2024, that they would establish a base and perform military operations in the Anyar region (Dry Zone).
Mission and Objectives
The Bamar People’s Liberation Army has five political objectives, as follows:
- To overthrow the dictatorship and liberate all people from oppression.
- To end chauvinism and ensure equality and self-determination.
- To establish a new federal state that guarantees democracy and human rights.
- To recognize a Bamar State or constituent unit in a future federal union.
- To protect the freedom and security of the people.
The five pledges of the Bamar People’s Liberation Army are as follows:
- To eradicate dictatorship and chauvinism.
- To forever protect the interests of the country and the people at the expense of our lives and bodies.
- To fully carry out the orders and duties given by our army.
- To be loyal to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the revolution.
- To never surrender.
Leaders and Central Committee Members
Information not yet available
Ceasefire and Peace Process Participation
None
Membership
Information not yet available
Political and Military Stance since the Coup
The Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) is an armed resistance organization that emerged after the military coup.
The BPLA is determined to bring justice to many people who have lost their lives, to fight against military dictatorship and chauvinism, to establish a federal unit with equality and self-determination, and to engage in armed struggle alongside other ethnic armed resistance organizations. They have demanded the establishment of a Bamar constituent administrative unit in the future federal democratic state.
Liaison Offices
None
Brigades
Two military regions have been established: 107 and 203. Military Region 107 is within Brigade No. 5 territory of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), while Military Region 203 is in northern Shan State. Military Region 203 operates militarily in collaboration with Northern Alliance forces.
Contact Information
